Bariatric Hospital Bed

When To Order:

A bariatric hospital bed should be considered for individuals over 300 lbs who are recovering after a hospital stay, who require their head or feet to be elevated due to a medical condition, who are unable to independently shift their weight or who are bed bound.

Medical Documentation:

The clinical care team needs to document in the individual’s medical record the following:

• The individual requires frequent changes in body position and/or has an immediate need for a change in body position.
• The individual has a medical condition which requires positioning of the body in ways not feasible with an ordinary bed such as.
• Elevation of the head/upper body more than 30 degrees due to congestive heart failure, chronic pulmonary disease or problems with aspiration or another medical condition.
• Positioning of the body in ways not feasible with an ordinary bed in order to alleviate pain.
• Medical condition which requires positioning of the body in ways not feasible with an ordinary bed, such as lower extremity edema or fractures.
• The weight of the individual is over 300 lbs.
• The individual’s provider (MD, DO, NP or PA) must complete a written order.

Selecting Equipment:

The following impacts selection of equipment:

• The head of the bed can be elevated.
• The foot of the bed can be elevated.
• The floor to mattress height of the bed can be adjusted with an electronic remote.
• The width of a bariatric hospital bed is 42 inches.